News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Relief Provided For Flexible Spending Account Plans In Stimulus BillOn December 27, 2020, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021. This new law provides relief options related to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Employers can choose to adopt any of these provisions or to keep their plan the same. Optional... |
January 28, 2021 |
Tax Form 1095-BHealth insurers—including Univera Healthcare—are no longer mailing tax form 1095-B to members. Because taxpayers are not required to include the form when filing their taxes, the IRS no longer requires us to mail the form. Members can still download the form or request it... |
January 28, 2021 |
An Unusual Year But Our Health Plan Was PreparedPlanning for risk is what we do, and when Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency in March due to COVID-19, we were ready. Through it all, we’ve remained focused on our mission: “To help people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through... |
January 28, 2021 |
Revised Guidelines For ExerciseRewardsUnivera Healthcare members can now earn ExerciseRewards for at-home workouts through the end of 2021. We are waiving our standard guidelines for this program due to continued gym closures, mask mandates, and other requirements, as a result of the ongoing pandemic. ... |
January 28, 2021 |
Small Group Dental Rates Now Available For All QuartersNew in 2021, Small Groups can align their medical and dental plan years. Rates for all effective dates in 2021 are now available on Univera on Demand. This includes the following products: Univera Dental Select Univera Access Dental Be sure to note, a new section... |
January 28, 2021 |
Update On Pre-AuthorizationsFor fully insured employer group plan members, pre-authorization is waived beginning on December 23, 2020 through February 21, 2021 for scheduled inpatient surgeries, inpatient mental health services, hospital admissions, inpatient rehabilitation, in-network home health... |
January 28, 2021 |
2021 Large & Small Group Product Updates2020 tested the resilience of Western New York businesses and individuals alike, us included. And, in a bigger way than ever before, it brought to light the importance of supporting and protecting the health and wellbeing of every business’ greatest asset: your employees.... |
January 7, 2021 |
Our Best Wishes For A Healthy Holiday SeasonAs we come to the end of an historic year, we want you to know how truly grateful we are for your business. Entering 2021 amid a global health crisis will continue to be a challenge for everyone. Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance, so... |
December 18, 2020 |
Updated Microsite And New COVID-19 ResourcesKeeping you informed throughout this global pandemic is one of our top priorities. Earlier this year, we launched a dedicated COVID-19 Resource Website: UniveraHealthcare.com/covid19. We are closely monitoring COVID-19 and vaccine developments and this website has... |
December 18, 2020 |
Stay Safe. Spread Joy.Though this holiday season may look different than what we’re used to, we’d like to encourage you to celebrate the things we can do. Sending cards. Keeping in touch with friends and family. Virtual gatherings. Learning to cook something new. Having a snowman contest. ... |
December 18, 2020 |
COVID-19 Related Exceptions For Univera Fit DollarsDue to Covid-19, the reimbursement criteria will be expanded to allow reimbursement for the following new items: At-home online workout subscriptions (i.e., Daily Burn, Beach Body, etc.) At-home fitness equipment (i.e., dumbbells, Peloton bikes, ellipticals, etc.) ... |
December 18, 2020 |
The Power To Quit SmokingBeginning January 1, 2021, smoking cessation support will be provided through our Wellframe app. Members have access to a comprehensive program that includes program modules, videos, and articles to support them on their journey to quit smoking. And they can access all... |
December 18, 2020 |
New Group Bill Pay Features - What You Need To KnowAs we shared in October, as a result of the feedback provided by both brokers and employer groups, we’re improving our online bill pay features and invoices, so they are easier to use. In mid-January 2021, we will launch an improved online invoice and payment feature... |
December 18, 2020 |
Medicare Advantage Recognized For QualityThe federal government’s latest quality ratings have awarded the Medicare Advantage programs from Univera Healthcare with some of the highest ratings in the state. Medicare awarded Univera with 4.5 stars out of a possible 5-star rating for its Medicare Senior Choice HMO... |
November 20, 2020 |
Resources For You And Your EmployeesGet everything you expect from a health plan for your team and resources to keep your employees healthier and happier. You can find these tool kits and resources at UniveraForBusiness.com Individual Medicare Employee Toolkit Don't Forget About the Flu Toolkit Get... |
November 20, 2020 |
Premium Payment Processor ChangeOn January 1, 2021 our premium payment processor will change from Chase Paymentech to InstaMed®, a J.P. Morgan company. Groups that have scheduled online automatic premium payments and invoice delivery preferences will continue uninterrupted. The AutoPay feature will be... |
November 20, 2020 |
Annual Rate Notices MailedGroups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. This includes: Small Group Products Individual Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription and Dental prospective pooled group notices and rates will be issued and viewable in... |
October 30, 2020 |
Pharmacy Network ChangeAs of September 1, 2020, Kroger, Albertson’s and Publix pharmacies are no longer part of the Univera Healthcare network.* Express Scripts (ESI), our pharmacy benefit manager, is working hard to help reduce overall costs for members by removing higher-cost pharmacies from... |
October 30, 2020 |
Simplified AGIF Now AvailableA shorter, simpler version of both the web and paper versions of the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) are now available. We redesigned the look and feel of the form and reduced the number of fields by over 60 percent—just in time to help simplify your open... |
October 30, 2020 |
PPE Notification to MembersThe New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is requiring us to notify members that our participating providers cannot bill their patients for the costs related to their purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). Providers may only collect any... |
October 30, 2020 |
New Individual Medicare Toolkit Now AvailableWith many people continuing to work past age 65, employees are turning to their employers for guidance when making important decisions about their health insurance. The right advice may save employees money by avoiding lifetime late Medicare enrollment penalties. We’re... |
October 30, 2020 |
We’re Here to Help You Navigate the Individual MarketThe Special Enrollment Period has now been extended to December 31, 2020. We continue to be here to support you and help with the many questions you may have about free or low-cost health insurance alternatives to COBRA. We have engaged with many of our Broker... |
September 29, 2020 |
Small Group Rates and Plans for 2021 now Available!Small Group plans and rates for 2021 are now available on Univera on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides are also available. Now available: Univera Access Small Group Medical Plans NEW Univera... |
September 29, 2020 |
It’s More Important Than Ever to Get Your Flu Shot This YearBecause of COVID-19, you should do everything you can to keep yourself and your family healthy. It is recommended that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year in the fall—especially if you or someone in your home is at high risk of serious complications... |
September 29, 2020 |
Helpful Guidelines As New York Goes Back to WorkAs more businesses, schools and other organizations continue to reopen, reminding everyone of important safety measures is more important than ever. That’s why we’ve pulled together a toolkit with resources to help you provide a safer and healthier work environment. ... |
August 27, 2020 |
Simplified AGIF Coming in SeptemberWe’ve received feedback from brokers and groups letting us know that our Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) is too long and overly complex. We listened and are pleased to let you know a shorter, simpler version of both the web and paper versions will be available by... |
August 27, 2020 |
Mini-COBRA Timeframe Extension InformationThe recent Department of Labor (DOL) regulation requiring COBRA timeframe extensions DOES NOT apply to mini-COBRA groups. COBRA regulations state that an employer qualifies as mini-COBRA if they employ fewer than 20 employees on at least 50 percent of the employer’s... |
August 27, 2020 |
2021 Large Group Product Updates2020 is testing the resilience of Western New York businesses and individuals alike, us included. And, in a bigger way than ever before, it brought to light the importance of supporting and protecting the health and wellbeing of every business’ greatest asset: your... |
July 16, 2020 |
We’re With You As You Get Ready To ReopenWe’ve been by your side as our schools, favorite restaurants and places of employment closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. And now, we’ll be with you as our communities begin to reopen as New York State’s PAUSE initiative sets to expire by region. Ready To Reopen |
June 2, 2020 |
Special Enrollment Period Extended to June 15The Special Enrollment Period for enrolling in Qualified Health Plans has been extended through June 15, 2020. Individuals can enroll between May 16 and June 15, and their coverage will begin June 1, or July 1. Our customer care advocates can assist with any questions on... |
June 2, 2020 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval of Rate ChangesWe know the focus for everyone the past two months has been the coronavirus pandemic. And now, our attention is turning to efforts to reopen businesses in accordance with state and local guidelines. While all of this is happening, there are still mandates set by New York... |
June 2, 2020 |
COVID-19 Pharmacy UpdateOur pharmacy team has been closely monitoring the supply of medications that are available during the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re taking several actions to ensure our members have access to clinically appropriate medications. Providing early refill overrides.... |
April 27, 2020 |
Don’t Fall For Fraud During COVID-19 FightPlease remind your employees to be aware that there are various scams and fraudulent activities that can occur during this difficult time. As is often the case, a national and global emergency brings out people who prey upon the fears and vulnerabilities of... |
April 27, 2020 |
Telemedicine Visits Covered At No Cost To MembersA reminder for your employees; telemedicine visits are being covered at no cost to members for 90 days beginning with NYS’s State of Emergency issued on March 13, 2020. The purpose is to help alleviate the burden on provider offices, urgent care centers and hospitals as a... |
April 27, 2020 |
Small Group Extended Grace PeriodIn these uncertain times, we’re doing everything we can to fulfill our corporate mission: to provide the people in the communities we serve with access to high quality, affordable health care. One way we can help is by providing some financial relief for those small... |
April 20, 2020 |
Finding Coverage During Job LossWe’re all facing an uncertain future, but for many employer groups this is a particularly anxious time. We have resources for groups and members, including those members who may be facing job loss and the loss of their employer-sponsored health insurance. There are... |
April 15, 2020 |
Cost Relief Available With Mid-Year Plan Changes For GroupsUnivera Healthcare wants to ensure as many of our group members as possible can maintain their health insurance benefits. Through June 1, 2020, we are allowing mid-year plan changes to allow for lower cost employer and employee plans to accommodate the COVID-19 impacts on... |
April 10, 2020 |
Univera Healthcare Waives COVID-19 Cost SharingUnivera Healthcare will waive out of pocket costs for COVID-19 medical testing, diagnosis and treatment for its fully insured employer groups, individual market qualified health plans and Medicare Advantage members for the next 60 days. This waives the member’s... |
April 10, 2020 |
Can the CARES Act Help Your Business?We’re all continuing to navigate these unchartered waters while striving to find our new normal. Last week, the Federal government signed a stimulus package to help businesses with 500 or fewer employees to stay afloat as the country continues to battle the COVID-19... |
April 6, 2020 |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan ResourcesDuring these uncertain and challenging times, our Univera Healthcare team is here to provide access to resources to help your business and employees. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has programs and initiatives in place as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief... |
March 31, 2020 |
Protecting the Health of Our CommunitiesThe coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for everyone as our communities battle this deadly virus. Those being hit hardest include many small businesses around the country and in our own communities, and many we insure. We have options for those employers who... |
March 25, 2020 |
We're Here For YouTo Our Valued Employer Groups: These are anxious and unsettling times. We’re bombarded by wall-to-wall news and around-the-clock social media about coronavirus (COVID-19) – and the impact on the economy. I want to reassure you that Univera Healthcare is well prepared... |
March 24, 2020 |
Pending Federal Regulations on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Member Cost ShareThe coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for everyone as our communities battle this deadly virus. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow in New York state and across the country. New York state is requiring all insured health... |
March 18, 2020 |
Update On COVID-19 (Coronavirus)We know there are many ongoing questions regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how it impacts everything from your businesses, your employees and even your own families. Please know that we have an internal team dedicated to researching and vetting the most... |
March 13, 2020 |
Simple Ways to Work Wellness Into Your DayWhether it’s sharing a few everyday tips or rewarding smart choices with wellness debit cards, our goal is to improve the health of everyone in WNY. Here are a few easy ways to help your employees focus on wellness throughout the day and make their time on the job a... |
February 25, 2020 |
Use of Telemedicine for Behavioral Health Increasing Year Over YearBehavioral health services delivered via telemedicine now account for nearly one-third of all telemedicine visits, according to a review of 2019 claims data by Univera Healthcare and its parent health plan. In 2018, behavioral health services accounted for less than 25... |
February 25, 2020 |
New Year, New MandatesThe beginning of a new year also means state mandated changes to some of our plans. The Healthy NY wage level for small employers is now in line with federal poverty guidelines. Read more about the increase and eligibility criteria. NYS now requires insurers to cover... |
January 29, 2020 |
Update on 1095-B Form for Tax SeasonBeginning this year, health insurers—including Univera Healthcare—will no longer be mailing tax form 1095-B to members. Because taxpayers are not required to include the form when filing their taxes, the IRS no longer requires us to mail the form. Members can still... |
January 29, 2020 |
Flu Season Going StrongFlu season runs through May—so there's still time for employees to get the flu vaccine. As of November 30, 2019, New York state logged 3,158 confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 1,462 confirmed cases at this time last year. There is still time to get your flu Shot.... |
January 29, 2020 |
Member Webinars - "Making the Most of Your Health Plan"Do you have members that need a refresh on the wellness tools and resources available to them within their health plan coverage? Our Workplace Wellness & Telemedicine team will host live monthly webinars for members in 2020. "Making the Most of Your Health... |
December 18, 2019 |
